Eric Cantona and Ruud van Nistelrooy were among the most notable guests at the unveiling of a statue in honour of Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford today.

United commissioned award-winning sculptor Philip Jackson to create the nine-foot bronze statue which has been placed outside the stand that already bears Ferguson's name.

The entire Manchester United first team squad, including Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie, were also present to get a look at the statue, which depicts the Scottish manager with his arms crossed. Ferguson recently inspected it himself and declared himself satisfied.

His longevity at Old Trafford is encapsulated by the guests who were in attendance.

In addition to Cantona, who signed for United almost 20 years ago in probably the most astute transfer of Ferguson's 26-year reign, and Van Nistelrooy, who scored 150 goals in five seasons but has never been back to the club since he was sensationally jettisoned in 2006, Ferguson's first captain, Bryan Robson, was there, plus Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who scored that famous injury-time match-winner in the 1999 Champions League final.

Ferguson is the Premier League's most successful manager with 12 titles.